Missouri’s highest peak and the 41st highest US state summit, 1,772-foot Taum Sauk Mountain is located in Missouri’s southeast quadrant. With 517 feet of prominence, Taum Sauk is not the most prominent peak in Missouri. This highpoint is a near drive up, and a quarter-mile stroll will take you to the highest ground. This highpoint is wheelchair accessible.

To get to Taum Sauk by car, go to Cape Girardeau on Interstae 55, take Exit 99, and turn west where you will enter Jackson, MO. Go through Jackson, get onto State Road 72, and follow this highway for 61.2 miles to reach Arcadia. Turn southwest onto State Road 21, follow this highway for 4.5 miles, and turn right (northtwest) onto a road that is signed for Taum Sauk Mtn. State Park. Follow this road for 3.0 miles, pass a road to a lookout tower where the pavement ends, and stay right here. Follow the gravel road for 3.4 miles, and go straight when a sign to the High Point points straight ahead. Soon, you will arrive at the parking lot and trailhead.

From the parking lot, hike on the signed, smooth, wide concrete trail through the woods. At the end of the trail, you will find a carved, granite marker for the high point, next to a large natural granite boulder. There is a nearby bench, and this is a lovely spot. Feel free to explore the area.